Interfragmental fixation of rostral mandibular fracture with cerclage wire in a thoroughbred English horse

The patient in this study was a 20-year-old thoroughbred gelding. After clinical and radiographical assessments, a bilateral rostral mandibular body fracture was determined. Fracture stabilization was achieved via a bilateral interfragmentary cerclage wire application. The horse started to use its jaw within 24 h of surgery. Postoperative radiographs were taken until month 6, at different periods, and fracture healing was evaluated. Fixation materials were left in place. Fracture healing occurred with a rostral part malocclusion. The purpose of this study was to give clinical information about mandibular fractures and treatment of these fractures in a horse

Thermography in the assessment of equine lameness

Infrared thermography pictorially represents the surface temperature of an object. It is a noninvasive method for detecting superficial inflammation and thus can be used in lameness diagnosis. Thermography is prone to artifacts, and, consequently, this has led some people to doubt its clinical applicability. With experience and care in interpretation, thermography can be a useful method for lameness evaluation. The aim of this study was to present further clinical information about infrared thermal cameras and to compare the diagnostic yields of thermography, radiography, and ultrasonography. Forming the animal material of this study were 47 horses with lameness. The extremities of the horses were evaluated via thermal camera following clinical examination. After this procedure, radiographic and ultrasonographic images were taken for the suspected region in all cases. The level of diagnosis with these techniques was scored and a comparison of the diagnostic methods was evaluated statistically. It was found that thermography can be a useful adjunct to lameness evaluation as part of integrated clinical and other imaging methods

Gastroscopic Evaluation Of Gastric Ulcer Syndrome In Sport Horses With Poor Performance

Gastric ulceration is common in performance horses. More than 90% of thoroughbred horses in the training season and approximately 60% of racing horses from other disciplines have gastric ulcers. Excessive secretion of gastric acid, impairment of gastric mucosal blood flow, weakening of prostaglandin E or the gastric mucus/bicarbonate layer, and gastric emptying disorders are important factors in the onset of ulceration. In this study, 12 horses with poor performance were evaluated using gastroscopy following clinical examinations. Gastroscopy revealed ulceration in 5 horses and ulcerative lesions in 7. A daily dose of 4 mg/kg omeprazole was administered orally for 4 weeks in all horses with clinically suspected gastritis, with or without gastric lesions. At the end of this time, a protective dose of 2 mg/kg per day of omeprazole was used for an additional 2 weeks. No rest for the horses was advised during the medical treatment period. According to the histories obtained from riders and trainers, all horses showed improved performance during the second week of treatment. No gastric lesions were detected at endoscopic examination following medical treatment of horses with gastric ulcerative lesions. In conclusion, gastric ulcer syndrome with or without gastric lesions in sport horses is a significant problem causing poor performance. This is corroborated by the improvement in performances following medical treatment.WoSScopu

A new model for partial immobilization of rat hind limb after Achilles tendon excision/reinterposition

There have been several attempts to repair the Achilles tendon by surgery or replacement with graft materials. Because tissue repair is a complex process, tendon healing occurs slowly. In rats, immobilization of the limb is essential during recovery. There are immobilization methods such as plaster or fiber casting. According to prolonged recovery, most of the procedures cause skin ulceration, decrease in weight, restrictions in checking the surgery area, and slipping out of the cast. Our aim was to apply a suture around the defect for immobilization. Tendons of 30 male Wistar rats (250 +/- 50 g and aged 8 +/- 2 weeks) were dissected and the cut ends were immediately sutured proximally-distally with an 8-0 nonabsorbable suture. For partial immobilization a needle with a 4-0 suture was passed 3 mm proximally and 3 mm distally between the gastrocnemius and calcaneus. A knot was applied close to the calcaneus. The skin was closed with a continuous, Ford interlocking 6-0 suture pattern. The animals were sacrificed after 2 and 4 weeks. No difference was observed in means of muscle atrophy when compared to contralateral intact muscle. No ulcer, sore, or swelling was observed. Tendons were intact and showed superior histological characteristics. Recent techniques seem to be effective in applying strength to protect the defect area from muscle tensile stress of the gastrocnemius during the recovery period